System and method for a portable wind break device

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention provide a portable wind break device which incorporates lightweight staking devices or mounting supports, poles that allow attachment of flexible panels, such as fabric panels, and reinforcing supports which reinforce each panel section, making a modular unit as a whole. The portable wind break device permits ease of portability, set up, take down, and provides wind protection and privacy for people, animals, or anything that would benefit from protection from the wind or privacy. Additionally, the portable wind break device permits easy cleaning, and assembly without tools.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/607,300, filed Mar. 6, 2012, and entitled “Portable Wind Break Device,” which is hereby incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a portable wind break device with improved portability, assembly and stability.

Portable wind break devices are useful to block weather elements such as wind, sun and rain, and to provide privacy or concealment. Therefore, portable wind break devices have useful applications in public or private areas and in areas of varying weather patterns. Portable wind break devices are typically made of a fabric supported in a generally upright position by poles that are attached to the fabric by methods such as sewing or heating. The poles are generally of sufficient length to have a protruding end that can be pushed into the ground to stand the wind break device upright. This configuration, however, often limits use of portable wind break devices to areas with ground soft enough to receive the protruding ends of the poles, yet firm enough to form a secure connection with the protruding ends. Additionally, portable wind break devices are not properly securable in an upright position while being used on a man-made surface, such as a deck, a patio or pavement. Further, conventional portable wind break devices suffer from a limited use of practical applications, thereby limiting the benefit and user of the product to a position of having to sit on or near the ground.

Further, conventional wind break devices typically include some form of folding, portable sun and/or windscreen which can be erected or stowed. Such devices usually incorporate a collapsible metal rod frame over which a canvas or plastic material cover can be attached. These devices are, however, relatively cumbersome and not particularly well adapted for single handed erection nor are they very stable to withstand the rigors of high winds.

There is a need, therefore, for a portable wind break device which can be quickly and easily erected by one person without the use of tools, will be effective and stable when mounted on a surface for use in strong winds, and that is adaptable in shape and size, offering flexibility for various applications and settings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a portable wind break device for blocking wind. The portable wind break device includes a plurality of connecting poles that each include a first channel, a second channel and a receiving aperture. The portable wind break device further comprises a panel which includes a first bead and a second bead that extend along an edge portion of the panel. The first bead and the second bead are configured to be received by the first channel of a first connecting pole and the second channel of a second connecting pole, respectively. Further, the portable wind break device includes a reinforcing support which has coupling elements that engage the plurality of connecting poles and the panel, thereby providing opposing pressure to the portable wind break device.

In another embodiment, the portable wind break device includes a first connecting pole and a second connecting pole where each of the first and second connecting poles includes a first channel, a second channel and a receiving aperture. The wind break device further includes a panel which includes a first bead and a second bead. The first bead extends along and is coupled to a first vertical edge portion of the panel. The second bead extends along and is coupled to a second vertical edge portion. The first bead is configured to be received by the first channel of the first connecting pole, and the second bead is configured to be received by the second channel of the second connecting pole. The wind break device also includes a reinforcing support which includes a first end and a second end. The first end includes a first coupling element, and the second end includes a second coupling element, such that the first coupling element engages the first connecting pole and the second coupling element engages the second connecting pole, thereby providing an opposing pressure between the first connecting pole and the second connecting pole.

In another embodiment, a method for assembling a portable wind break device is disclosed. The method includes inserting a first connecting pole and a second connecting pole into a first staking pole and a second staking pole, each of the first connecting pole and the second connecting pole including a first channel, a second channel and a receiving aperture. The method further includes sliding a first bead into the first channel of the first connecting pole and sliding a second bead into the second channel of the second connecting pole, respectively, the first bead extending along and is coupled to a first vertical edge portion of a panel, and the second bead extending along and is coupled to a second vertical edge portion of the panel. The first connecting pole and the second connecting pole are joined with a first end and a second end of a reinforcing support. The first end includes a first coupling element and the second end includes a second coupling element. The first connecting pole is then engaged with the first coupling element and the second connecting pole is engaged with the second coupling element, such that the reinforcing support provides an opposing pressure between the first connecting pole and the second connecting pole.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood upon consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable wind break device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a connecting pole and reinforcing supports of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the connecting pole coupled to reinforcing supports in the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top cross-sectional view of the connecting pole coupled to a staking pole and panels.

FIG. 5 is an exploded side perspective view of a portion of the portable wind break device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a mounting support for the portable wind break device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of an alternative mounting support for the portable wind break device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7A is a side perspective view of the connecting pole coupled to the panels.

FIG. 7B is a detail perspective view of a side edge portion of a panel.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the portable wind break device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 a side perspective view of a portion of the portable wind break device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the connecting pole coupled to the reinforcing support.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 1 and 8 illustrates an example portable wind break device 10 in a fully assembled state. The wind break device is shown in an arching pattern, although other arrangements are possible, including generally straight, curved, and zig-zag, for example. The portable wind break device 10 includes a first staking pole 12 and a second staking pole 13 which axially accept a plurality of connecting poles 14 along an axis 16. The plurality of connecting poles 14 include a first channel 18 and a second channel 20 which axially accept a first bead 22 and a second bead 24, respectively, of a panel 26. The panels 26 can be reinforced by reinforcing supports 28 which include a coupling element 30 attached to end portions 32 of the reinforcing supports 28, shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In some embodiments, the coupling element 30 is a coupling ring. The coupling elements 30 are axially accepted by the plurality of connecting poles 14 which creates an opposing pressure between two connecting poles to additionally support and reinforce the plurality of connecting poles 14.

Turning now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the first and second staking poles 12, 13 are shown. The first and second staking poles 12, 13 are generally rigid and include a first end 34, a second end 36 and a base plate 38. The base plate 38 can include a slot 35, which allows a plurality of stakes to slide together for smaller packaging without reducing the strength or use of the staking poles. It is to be appreciated that the base plate 38 can take any convenient shape and does not have to be round and does not have to include the slot 35. The first end 34 of the first and second staking poles 12, 13 can be cylindrical in shape and have an outside diameter (not shown) smaller than an inside diameter (not shown) of a receiving aperture 40 of the plurality of connecting poles 14 such that the plurality of connecting poles 14 can slide over the first ends 34 of the first and second staking poles 12, 13 as shown in FIG. 4. The second end 26 of the first and second staking poles 12, 13 can have a conical shape with a pointed end 42, allowing the first and second staking poles 12, 13 to be inserted into a relatively soft surface (not shown). The base plate 38 is coupled (e.g., welded) perpendicularly between the first end 34 and second end 36 of the staking pole 12 and centered along the axis 16, shown in FIG. 5. The staking poles 12 are generally constructed of aluminum, steel or any other suitable rigid material to limit the first and second staking poles 12, 13 from bending, as well as withstand being inserted into the surface (e.g., the ground). Further, the first and second staking poles 12, 13 can be painted to prevent rusting.

Alternatively, a mounting support 44, as shown in FIGS. 6A, and 6B can be used for securing the portable wind break device 10 to a hard surface, such as a deck, pavement, blacktop, ice, stone or any surface where the first and second staking poles 12, 13 may not be effective. Similar to the first and second staking poles 12, 13, the mounting supports 44 accept the plurality of connecting poles 14, thereby holding them firmly in place, as well as vertically stiff. The mounting support 44 includes a bottom plate 46 which can have a generally round or square shape and securing holes 48 positioned on corner sections 50 of the bottom plate 46. Bolts, screws, pins, nails or any suitable fastener can be inserted into the securing holes 48 to secure the mounting support 44 to the hard surface. The mounting support 44 of FIG. 6A further includes a mounting post 51 that can be cylindrical in shape and can have an outside diameter (not shown) smaller than an inside diameter (not shown) of the receiving aperture 40 of the plurality of connecting poles 14 such that the plurality of connecting poles 14 can slide over the mounting post 51 of the mounting support 44. The alternative mounting support 44 of FIG. 6B further includes a hollow mounting post 52 perpendicularly coupled (e.g., welded) to the bottom plate 46 along the axis 16. The hollow mounting post 52 can have a cylindrical shape with a receiving aperture 54. The receiving aperture 54 is designed to axially receive the plurality of connecting poles 14, such that the mounting support 44 provides rigidity and support for the plurality of connecting poles 14. The mounting supports 44 are generally constructed of aluminum, steel or any other suitable rigid material to limit the mounting support 44 from bending. Further, the mounting supports 44 can be painted to prevent rusting.

Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the connecting poles 14 include a first channel 18 and a second channel 20 which extend parallel to one another the entire length of the plurality of connecting poles 14. The first channel 18 and the second channel 20 are designed to mate with the first bead 22 and the second bead 24 of the panel 26, which will be described in further detail below, such that the first bead 22 and the second bead 24 axially slide into the first channel 18 of a first connecting pole 14 and the second channel 20 of a second connecting pole 14, thereby coupling the panel 26 between the plurality of connecting poles 14 and restricting the first bead 22 from being removed laterally from the first channel 18, as well as restricting the second bead 24 from being removed laterally from the second channel 20. The plurality of connecting poles 14 further include an end portion 56, best shown in FIG. 6A, with a receiving aperture 40 that is designed to be inserted into the mounting support 44 or over the first or second staking pole 12, 13. The plurality of connecting poles 14 also include an outer surface 58 in which the coupling elements 30 of the reinforcing support 28 can slide over, shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The plurality of connecting poles 14 can be constructed of a high-quality, lightweight aluminum or any other suitable material to easily allow for additional panel 26 add-ons.

Turning now to FIGS. 4, 7A and 7B, the panels 26 are generally square or rectangular in shape and include a first bead 22 and a second bead 24 tightly sewn along a first edge portion 60 and a second edge portion 61 of the panel 26 (see FIG. 7A). The first bead 22 and the second bead 24 can be cylindrical in shape and can be constructed of plastic or any other suitable material. In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 7B, the first bead 22 and the second bead 24 can comprise a plastic bead welt 23 that includes an end portion 25 that the panel can be sewn 27 or otherwise securely coupled to. The plastic bead welt 23 can help to keep the panel material out of the first channel 18 and second channel 20. The first bead 22 and the second bead 24 give the first edge portions 60 and the second edge portions 61 rigidity and are dimensioned such that they can be easily slid into and out of the first channel 18 and the second channel 20 of the connecting pole 14, thus making additions or subtractions of panel sections convenient and without the need for tools. As a result of the cylindrical shape of both the beads 22, 24 and the channels 18, 20, there are limitless angles 62, shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, at which each panel 26 can be attached to the plurality of connecting poles 14. Additionally, the portable wind break device 10 can be easily made larger by adding panel 26 sections, since the plurality of connecting poles 14 at the end, shown in FIG. 9, may have a first channel 18 or a second channel 20 that is vacant and able to accept a new panel 26 section.

As shown in FIG. 9, the panels 26 may be constructed of a vinyl fabric, or similar fabric material that is substantially impervious to wind. Toward a top portion 64 of the panel 26, there may be a viewing window 66 integrated into the panel 26, which allows a small amount of air through, thus allowing the side loads of variable wind speeds to be higher, being a small “relief” toward the top portion 64 of the panel 26. The primary purpose of the viewing window 66 is for sustaining a high wind generated side load on the panel 26, and the portable wind break device 10 overall. Additionally, since the embodiment can be taller than the average user's line of site, while standing, the viewing window 66 can be advantageous to the end user

Turning now to FIGS. 2, 3 and 10, the reinforcing support 28 includes coupling elements 30 attached (e.g., welded) to the end portions 32 of the reinforcing support 28. The reinforcing support 28 can be constructed of aluminum extrusion or any other suitable material. The coupling elements 30 can be slid over the outer surfaces 58 of the plurality of connecting poles 14, such that the reinforcing support is aligned generally parallel to the top portion 64 of the panel 26. Therefore, the reinforcing support 28 creates tension on the panels 26, through opposing forces between two connecting poles 14, and reinforces each panel 26 as taught, and unites each panel 26 section together as part of the whole portable wind break device 10. In some embodiments, the panel 26 has a top edge portion 65 which has a first length 68 and the reinforcing support 28 has second length 70, such that the second length is larger than the first length, as shown in FIG. 5, thereby providing an opposing pressure between a first connecting pole 72 and a second connecting pole 74. The coupling elements 30 on the end portions 32 of the reinforcing supports 28 slide over the plurality of connecting poles 14, thus completing the attachment of the reinforcing supports 28 to the plurality of connecting poles 14. The circular shape of the coupling elements 30, fitting over the plurality of connecting poles 14, allows for any angle 62, shown in FIG. 8, to be achieved, thus allowing the portable wind break device 10 to be adaptable to a multitude of shapes and applications.

As best shown in FIG. 5, the portable wind break device 10 is first assembled by placing a first staking pole 12 or the mounting support 44 on the desired surface. The first connecting pole 72 is then coupled to either the first staking pole 12 or the mounting support 44. The first bead 22 of the panel 26 is slid into the first channel 18 of the first connecting pole 72 and extends along the first edge portion 61 of the panel 26. The second bead 24 of a separate panel 26 is slid into the second channel 20 of the first connecting pole 72 along the second edge portion 61 of the panel 26, shown in FIG. 7A. An additional staking pole 12 or mounting support 44 and a second connecting pole 74 are then placed on the desired surface and the second bead 24 of the panel 26 is slid into the second channel 20 of the second connecting pole 74. The coupling elements 30 of the reinforcing support 28 are then placed over the outer surfaces 58 of the first and second connecting poles 72, 74, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Depending on the quantity of connecting poles 14 set up, additional panels 26 can be added to the portable wind break device 10.

As described above, the portable wind break device 10 provides several advantages over conventional wind break devices. The present portable wind break device 10 permits easy installation and is adaptable to many applications from sporting events to fishing. For any reason in which wind and/or privacy protection may be desired, the portable wind break device 10 allows people to benefit from it even while standing. Additionally, the disclosed invention permits ease in lightweight portability and adaptability for a multitude of surfaces, as well as ease in assembly and disassembly since no tools are required.

Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable wind break device comprising: a plurality of connecting poles, each of the plurality of connecting poles including a first channel, a second channel and a receiving aperture; a panel including a first bead and a second bead, the first bead extending along a first edge portion of the panel, the second bead extending along a second edge portion of the panel, the first bead configured to be received by the first channel of one of the plurality of connecting poles and the second bead configured to be received by the second channel of another one of the plurality of connecting poles; and a reinforcing support including coupling elements, the coupling elements engaging the one of the plurality of connecting poles and the another one of the plurality of connecting poles and the panel, thereby providing opposing pressure to the portable wind break device.
 2. The portable wind break device of claim 1, wherein the panel further comprises a viewing window integrated into a top portion of the panel, thereby allowing the panel to sustain a wind generated side load.
 3. The portable wind break device of claim 1, wherein the panel further comprises a viewing window integrated into a top portion of the panel.
 4. The portable wind break device of claim 1, wherein the panel is constructed of a flexible material that is substantially impervious to wind.
 5. The portable wind break device of claim 1, wherein the first bead and the second bead are configured to be received by the first channel of the one of the plurality of connecting poles and the second channel of the another one of the plurality of connecting poles, respectively, allowing the panel to be positioned at any angle relative to the plurality of connecting poles.
 6. The portable wind break device of claim 1, wherein the first bead is configured to be received axially by the first channel of the one of the plurality of connecting poles and the second bead is configured to be received axially by the second channel of the another one of the plurality of connecting poles to allow the panel to slide in and out of the plurality of connecting poles for the addition or subtraction of panels from the portable wind break device.
 7. The portable wind break device of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing support is constructed of aluminum material.
 8. The portable wind break device of claim 1, wherein the coupling elements are disposed on end portions of the reinforcing support, the coupling elements surrounding an outer surface of the connecting poles, thereby creating tension on the panel.
 9. The portable wind break device of claim 8, wherein the coupling rings are circular in shape allowing the portable wind break device to be adaptable to any angle relative to the plurality of connecting poles.
 10. The portable wind break device of claim 1, further comprising a first staking pole and a second staking pole, each staking pole including a first end, a second end and a base plate, the base plate disposed between and coupled to the first end and second end, perpendicular to an axis of each staking pole.
 11. The portable wind break device of claim 10, wherein the first end is configured to be engaged by the receiving aperture of the connecting pole and the second end is configured to be inserted into a surface, thereby preventing the portable wind break device from moving.
 12. The portable wind break device of claim 1, further comprising a mounting support, the mounting support including a hollow mounting post coupled to a bottom plate, the hollow mounting post including a receiving aperture and the bottom plate including at least one securing hole.
 13. The portable wind break device of claim 12, wherein the receiving aperture is configured to receive an end portion of the connecting pole and the securing hole is configured to assist fastening the portable wind break device to a surface, thereby preventing the portable wind break device from moving.
 14. A portable wind break device comprising: a first connecting pole and a second connecting pole, each of the first and second connecting poles including a first channel, a second channel and a receiving aperture; a panel including a first bead and a second bead, the first bead extending along and coupled to a first vertical edge portion of the panel, the second bead extending along and coupled to a second vertical edge portion, the first bead configured to be received by the first channel of the first connecting pole and the second bead configured to be received by the second channel of the second connecting pole; and a reinforcing support including a first end and a second end, the first end including a first coupling element, the second end including a second coupling element, the first coupling element engaging the first connecting pole and the second coupling element engaging the second connecting pole, such that the reinforcing support provides an opposing pressure between the first connecting pole and the second connecting pole.
 15. The portable wind break device of claim 14, wherein the first coupling element comprises a first coupling ring, and the second coupling element comprises a second coupling ring; and wherein the first coupling ring is positioned around the first connecting pole and the second coupling ring is positioned around the second connecting pole.
 16. The portable wind break device of claim 14, wherein the panel includes a top edge portion, the top edge portion including a first length; and wherein the reinforcing support including a second length, the second length being longer than the first length so as to provide the opposing pressure between the first connecting pole and the second connecting pole.
 17. The portable wind break device of claim 14, wherein the first bead is secured within the first vertical edge portion and the second bead is secured within the second vertical edge portion.
 18. The portable wind break device of claim 14, wherein the first bead is received axially by the first channel of the first connecting pole and the second bead is received axially by the second channel of the second connecting pole to allow the panel to slide in and out of the first connecting pole and second connecting pole, and to restrict the first bead to be removed laterally from the first channel of the first connecting pole and the second bead to be removed laterally from the second channel of the second connecting pole.
 19. A method for assembling a portable wind break device, the method comprising the steps of: a) inserting a first connecting pole and a second connecting pole into a first staking pole and a second staking pole, respectively, each of the first connecting pole and the second connecting pole including a first channel, a second channel and a receiving aperture; b) sliding a first bead into the first channel of the first connecting pole and a second bead into the second channel of the second connecting pole, respectively, the first bead extending along and coupled to a first vertical edge portion of a panel, the second bead extending along and coupled to a second vertical edge portion of the panel; c) joining the first connecting pole and the second connecting pole with a first end and a second end of a reinforcing support, the first end including a first coupling element, the second end including a second coupling element; and d) engaging the first connecting pole with the first coupling element and engaging the second connecting pole with the second coupling element, such that the reinforcing support provides an opposing pressure between the first connecting pole and the second connecting pole.
 20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the panel includes a top edge portion, the top edge portion including a first length; and wherein the reinforcing support including a second length, the second length being longer than the first length so as to provide the opposing pressure between the first connecting pole and the second connecting pole. 